How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
The Michigan Center for Translational Pathology (MCTP) is a premier research laboratory within the University of Michigan Medical School at the forefront of precision oncology. We are seeking a meticulous Lab Specialist Associate to join our team in developing a novel liquid biopsy platform for the detection and monitoring of cancer through circulating RNA.
In this role, you will be vital to our pipeline that transforms patient blood samples into high-quality genomic data. This position requires an individual who thrives in a high-precision environment and is committed to mastery of the required laboratory protocols.
Responsibilities*
- Sample Processing: Execute end-to-end processing of clinical blood samples from healthy donors and cancer patients.
- Molecular Protocols: Perform complex workflows including nucleic acid isolation (RNA/DNA) from plasma, enzymatic DNA digestion, and hybridization capture.
- NGS Library Preparation: Lead high-throughput sequencing library construction and rigorous Quality Control (QC) assessments.
- Data Integrity: Maintain impeccable records of protocols, sample tracking, and experimental outcomes to ensure reproducibility and clinical relevance.
- Lab Stewardship: Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient molecular laboratory environment.
Required Qualifications*
- Education: Bachelor?s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related biological science.
- Experience: Minimum of 1?3 years of hands-on experience in a molecular biology laboratory (post-undergraduate experience preferred).
- Technical Precision: Proven ability to master complex, multi-step protocols with high reproducibility and attention to detail.
Desired Qualifications*
- Genomics Expertise: Direct experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, specifically library prep and hybridization capture.
- Analytical Skills: Familiarity with QC tools (e.g., Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, Qubit).
- Mindset: A proactive problem-solver who excels in a fast-paced, mission-driven research setting.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.